Product Comparison

Compare Microsoft Dynamics AX, Dynamics NAV, & Dynamics 365

How do you determine which Microsoft Dynamics product is right for your company when they offer full function, scalable, and integrated ERP functionality?

How to Choose Between Dynamics Products:

The primary difference between Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 is not just “if” it performs a particular function, but rather how a function is performed. While it really takes an expert to determine which will best fit your organization, the chart below can help you better understand the positioning of these ERP products.

Review the below chart to understand the major differences. Feel free to contact us for a recommendation to help you determine which solution would best fit your company's needs.

Microsoft Dynamics AX

Microsoft Dynamics NAV

Microsoft Dynamics 365
Enterprise Edition

Microsoft Dynamics 365
Business Edition

Latest Version

AX2012 R3

NAV2018

Dynamics 365 for Finance and Operations

Dynamics 365 for Financials

Company Size

Midsize to Large Enterprises

Small to Midsize, or Divisions of Enterprise companies

Midsize to Large Enterprises

Small to Midsize

Target User Range

50+

5 to 750

20+

5 to 100

Global Operations

Supports international organizations, multi-plant and multi-schedule.

Supports global businesses that have a less complex organizational structure.

Supports international organizations, multi-plant and multi-schedule.

Currently available in North America, Global release coming next year.

Industries

Manufacturing, Distribution, Public Sector, Retail and Project Based including Professional Services and MFP.

Dynamics NAV is flexible and highly customizable. Because of the very large installed base and availability of add-on enhancements, it supports a huge variety of industries.

Manufacturing, Distribution, Public Sector, Retail, Project Based including Professional Service industries

The latest version of Dynamics 365 Business Edition focuses on financials for any business (additional functionality to be released in 2017).

Manufacturing Modes

Designed to be a complete solution for discrete, job shop, process, lean and mixed-mode manufacturing.

Integrated ERP solution designed for discrete manufacturing. Will handle other modes with add-ons.

Designed to be a complete solution for discrete, job shop, process, lean and mixed-mode manufacturing.

Manufacturing functionality will be included in a future release.

Multi-Company

Operate Multi-company within 1 database with easy interoperability between companies.

Multi-company is handled within separate companies and intercompany functionality is available.

Operate Multi-company within 1 database with easy interoperability between companies.

Multi-company is handled within separate companies. Intercompany functionality is not available at this time.

Service Deployment Options

On-premise, hosted or Cloud options available as well as hybrid cloud deployments. Anywhere, Anyhow, Anytime.

On-premise, hosted or Cloud options available as well as hybrid cloud deployments. Anywhere, Anyhow, Anytime.

Multicurrency, multilanguage, country-specific localizations and multi-company within one database.

Multicurrency, multilanguage, country-specific localizations in separate databases with multi-company consolidations to one database.

Multicurrency, multilanguage, country-specific localization and multi-company within one database.

Multicurrency, multilanguage, country-specific localizations in separate databases with multi-company consolidations to one database (based on availability).

Implementations

Dynamics AX is functionally rich requiring more decisions during the implementation process, resulting in a longer deployment time and investment in resources.

Dynamics NAV has a moderate to low cost to implement and maintain.

Dynamics 365 Operations is functionally rich requiring more decisions during the implementation process but is much faster to implement than traditional on-premise ERP applications.

Dynamics 365 Financials is quick to implement and easy to use. Only pay for the business applications and features you need.

Development & Technical Tools

Full life cycle services tools to administer, manage and deploy architecture, database and code base. Full development tools using Visual Studio and SQL.

NAV offers an integrated development environment where NAV can be configured and customized. Reports are designed and rendered using SQL Server toolsets.

Customizations to NAV can be developed using NAV’s event subscription model; this ensures smooth upgrades to future versions.

Full life cycle services tools to administer, manage and deploy architecture, database and code base. Full development tools using Visual Studio and SQL.

Microsoft AppSource: Start with the business applications you need and add more as your business grows. A complete library of extensions and apps is available.

Business Intelligence

KPI’s, Metrics, workspaces and extensive Power BI built into solution

NAV offers a role-based interface with charting and dashboards throughout and also standard integration with Power BI.

Microsoft Power BI as well as several other business intelligence applications in AppSource.

Microsoft Power BI as well as several other business intelligence applications in AppSource.

Additional Capabilities

Cortana Intelligence, Power Apps, Flow, Azure IoT, Common Data Model

Cortana Intelligence, Power Apps, Flow, Azure IoT, Common Data Model

Cortana Intelligence, Power Apps, Flow, Azure IoT, Common Data Model

Our Focus

Manufacturing

Engineer to Order

Configure to Order

Discrete

Process

Lean

Project Based Services and Manufacturing Companies

Distribution

WMS

TMS

Distribution

E-Commerce Retailers (B2B and B2C)

Manufacturing

Rental Companies

Home Builders

Manufacturing

Engineer to Order

Configure to Order

Discrete

Process

Lean

Project Based Services and Manufacturing Companies

Distribution

WMS

TMS

E-Commerce Retailers (B2B and B2C)

Distribution

E-Commerce Retailers

Project Based Services

Are you trying to determine your total cost of ownership?

When determining whether the cloud is the right approach, many prospects ask about the total cost of ownership. One of the most cited advantages of cloud computing is the cost savings that can result from minimizing your onsite hardware and the resources required to maintain it. While the savings can be significant up front, over time cloud computing can be just as costly as on-prem deployments that have a substantial implementation cost. With on-premise deployments, you need to keep in mind several factors in addition to the software. These include IT infrastructure, maintenance, support, and regular upgrades.

Are you trying to determine which deployment method is right for your business? Would you like to compare the cost of an on-prem ERP solution vs. cloud deployment? Would you like to compare the cost of ownership over 3, 7, and 10 years to determine the best approach for your company?

Is it time to look at your current ERP System?
Do you need expert advice to help your company move forward?

Western Computer can help you identify applications and processes on your current ERP system that may be holding you back. Our consultants apply industry-specific business knowledge as well as software expertise to identify areas where your organization can benefit from modernized systems - and we'll help you chart the path to get there.

Value-added Western Computer Services

Western Computer’s consulting team offers deep industry and technical expertise across the above industries. We can provide a long-term roadmap for your Dynamics solution. For a full listing of WC Custom Solutions, click here.

Why Partner with Western Computer? We “Speak” Microsoft Dynamics

As one of the leading Microsoft Dynamics partners in the US, our experts thoroughly understand the differences between Dynamics products and how they work in various industries. By reviewing your organization’s specific requirements, we can help you choose and implement the Microsoft Dynamics solution that will provide impactful results and improve your bottom line.

We are here to empower our customers to get the biggest competitive advantage possible using state-of-the-art technology. With 30 years experience, we have the know-how to recommend the best option to modernize your business - from hosted, in the cloud, to a hybrid mix. Every business is unique, so let’s discuss options that are the best fit for your organization.